How Do You Make Nitrocellulose Flash Paper?
Flash paper is a common part of a magician’s bag of tricks; it is specially treated through a chemical process that converts ordinary paper to nitrocellulose, which burns extremely quickly in a bright flash and leaves no ash behind. Nitrocellulose can be purchased at magic supply stores, but if you’re comfortable working with volatile chemicals, you can make your own at home. This procedure is safe, but only if you are careful and heed all safety warnings. Gather all of your materials in a safe working area. For this project, a safe working area should be indoors and include a large, level and cleared working surface. Make sure that a fire extinguisher in nearby — not because you plan to use it, but simply because it’s better to be safe than sorry. Put on rubber gloves. Slowly pour tap water in your glass, flat-bottomed dish until a thin layer just barely covers the entire bottom. Pour this water into a beaker and see how many milliliters of liquid there is. This is the total amount o
